Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-ups too. Even if it is a headache, a chore, and nightmare, it is a period of necessary defrosting of chill and hide-bound hearts. - Lenora Mattingly Weber

Welcome to the December issue of the Mom to Mom Newsletter! December is, arguably, the most stressful month of the year. Holiday parties, shopping, get togethers, shopping, cooking, baking, shopping, family visits and even more shopping. How we deal with the stress of all that our lives force on us is critical to our health and well being. Make sure to follow the diet and exercise plan that works for you, get enough sleep, and above all, take time to enjoy the season. Spend extra time with the favorite people in your life and enjoy a relaxing break from the insanity that can be the shopping malls. Above all, make sure to take the time for you!

Until next month,
Carmen

Fitness: Simple Ways to Make Time for Exercise

One of the most difficult dilemmas we face during the holiday season is making time for our fitness. You might not have time to devote an hour or so every day for exercise, but this is not the time to let yourself lose all of the goals you’ve accomplished. Instead of avoiding fitness, try these quick tips whenever you have a free minute or five.

Add up the numbers in your birth year – for example, 1969 is 25 – and run the steps that many trips.

Watching a television show? Spend every commercial break doing circuits. First commercial, push-ups; second, squats; third, sit-ups. Challenge your viewing partners to see who can get a higher number! Repeat until your show returns.

Jump rope for three minutes three times a day.

Play Wii fitness games – with or without your kids!

Challenge your spouse to a game of backyard tag – winner gets to pick their own reward.

Family: Holiday Crafts

One of the best things about the holiday season is seeing family members. Why not do a craft together? Have each family member trace their foot to make a reindeer face. Trace both hands and then cut out all three shapes. Position the hands at the top of the foot tracing, by the toes, and glue. Decorate with red pom-pom noses and googly eyes, and draw mouths. We make these every year and it’s so fun to see how much the kids’ feet have grown over the years!

Food: Healthy Party Dish

One of the best things about the holiday season is all of the parties you are invited to attend. One of the worst things for your healthy diet is all of the parties you are invited to attend. Why not bring your own delicious, low-fat dish? Try these Spinach Puffs for a delicious, tasty appetizer you can take with you.

Ingredients

2 cups spinach

1/2 cup cottage cheese

1 tsp. nutmeg

2 egg whites

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425º F

Brush individual soufflé dishes with oil

Chop and cook spinach

Mix spinach with cottage cheese and add nutmeg

Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff

Fold them into the spinach mixture and spoon into the soufflé dishes

Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown

Fun: Workout Playlists

Sometimes, despite your desire to spend time with your family, you just need a little time away. One of my favorite ways to decompress and reduce the stress in my life is to go for a nice long walk or run. Every time I go out, I bring my iPod and listen to music. Songs with a timely beat can help me go further and faster and they help the time to fly right by. Add some of these songs to your playlist to keep yourself motivated!

Song List A: Holiday Music

Run Rudolph Run - Sheryl Crow

All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree - Darlene Love

Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano

Sleigh Ride - Relient K or Debbie Gibson

Christmas is the Time to say I Love You - SR-71

The Christmas CanCan - Straight No Chaser

Any Trans-Siberian Orchestra music - every single selection is amazing

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The content of this e-newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not to be perceived as providing medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the professional advice of your medical doctor prior to beginning a new diet or weight loss program.